John Blanchard
It is with heavy hearts that the Blanchard family announces the sudden passing of John Blanchard from a ruptured aortic aneurysm. John was a life-long Michigander. John grew up in Rockford, attended the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, worked in Lansing, and raised a family in Haslett. John was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Esther Hill Blanchard.
John was married to his devoted wife, Patricia, and together they raised two sons: John (Lisa) Blanchard of Nashua, New Hampshire and Joe (Suzanne) Blanchard of Johannesburg, South Africa. Alongside Tricia, John was a passionate advocate for refugees arriving in America and encouraged, coached, and supported multiple families from Vietnam and Iraq over the years as they volunteered with Catholic Social Services. John and Tricia also packed shoeboxes with hygiene products, school supplies, and gifts for children around the world through Operation Christmas Child (OCC), and much to John’s dismay, their basement is largely dedicated to these efforts!
John loved the beauty of Michigan and going “up north.” He carried forward long standing traditions of vacations at Glen Lake, a place where many great memories were made.
John served the State of Michigan as an Assistant Attorney General. He was extremely proud of the work he did on behalf of the people of Michigan. The family watched him in court when he argued a case before the United States Supreme Court. It was a proud moment for all. Following retirement, John worked at Tiffany Funeral Home.
John loved making breakfast during family vacations, specializing in perfectly made waffles with fresh berries. He enjoyed taking the grandchildren to “night life,” which was his name for taking the grandchildren out for ice cream in the evening.
John instilled a strong work ethic in his boys. He would spend countless hours helping with homework, writing assignments, and school reports. He set high expectations and valued education. Before sending the boys to bed, he often tested them with flashcards. With grandchildren, John mellowed a bit, but the flashcards never went away – he believed that every vacation with Grandpa needed “some school.”
John adored his grandchildren: Anna (12), Johnny (8), Henry (5), George (3), and Esther.
He is survived by his wife; his two boys, all his brothers and sisters, and many nieces and nephews.
John’s life will be celebrated at 11:00 AM Thursday, May 26, 2022, at New Hope Church, 2170 E Saginaw Hwy, East Lansing, MI, 48823. Visitation with family is scheduled for 10:00 AM (New Hope Church).
John will be laid to rest in Rockford, Michigan.
In memory of John:
Those who wish to do so may make a contribution to Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child.
A contribution could also be made to New Hope Church for the purpose of filling Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes.
15 Messages to “John Blanchard”
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Jayne Bischoff
May 23, 2022 at 3:14 pmOur prayers are for Pat, John, Joe and their families during these challenging times. May
the Lord sustain you as no one else can. Sending love and big hugs . Jayne and Paul Bischoff
Pat
May 25, 2022 at 6:30 amThank you, Jayne and Paul
Debbie Windsand
May 23, 2022 at 3:39 pmPat
May you hold the happy memories of John in your heart. May the Lord’s peace and love hold you in his arms during this difficult time.
With Sympathy
Debbie and Jim Windsand
Pat
May 25, 2022 at 6:31 amThank you, Deb and Jim for your kind words.
Michelle Donahue
May 23, 2022 at 9:09 pmTo all of the Blanchard Family,
We are so saddened to hear this sad news. Many warm memories of John as our next door neighbor (Halloween masks, immaculate yard, best dance moves ever, always there if needed & his infamous friendly wave). Sending you all our love, condolences and prayers for peace in your hearts until the glorious day when you’re all reunited with our Lord & Savior ~. Love, Jeff & Shelly Donahue
Pat
May 25, 2022 at 6:34 amOh Shelley it is so good to hear from you. You were a great neighbor. I wish you were still in the house around the corner.
Barbara Chagaris
May 24, 2022 at 10:02 amPat you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers GodBless.
Nathan Dey
May 24, 2022 at 12:23 pmOur deepest condolences to the Blanchard family. John was a great guy. He set a high bar for us all to aspire to in life (including law care!).
Pat
May 25, 2022 at 6:36 amThank you, Barbara
Pat
May 25, 2022 at 6:38 amThank you, Nathan.
It was always a joy to have you stop the house.
The florist delivery man called me yesterday to ask where John had purchased the geraniums on our front porch.
Deb Canja
May 25, 2022 at 9:30 amI have so many wonderful memories of John. His smile, his laugh, the hard work we did together in the Commerce Division, the way we laughed together about Harry. Even though we have all scattered from our days with Frank Kelley, John has always felt like part of a “work family” that I treasure. I am holding you in love. May peace fill your hearts knowing all is well.
Kelly Ward
May 25, 2022 at 12:01 pmI am deeply saddened to hear this news. Sending you all so much love and hugs. Mr. Blanchard was always so kind and had such a great smile.
John Scherbarth
May 26, 2022 at 3:10 pmJohn was a significant presence in my life with the Attorney General. He made work interesting, frustrating and always kept us on our toes. I will treasure my years working with him and his leadership. His smile and sense of good humor lives on in my life.
Howard T. Spence
May 28, 2022 at 6:23 pmI was saddened greatly to belatedly learn of the passing of John Blanchard. When I was a deputy Insurance Commissioner for the state of Michigan, John worked directly with me on many, many enforcement and licensing cases. John was bright and dedicated to his work and the people of Michigan who he fought to protect while working for Frank Kelley.
I was always impressed by John because of his sincerity, hard work, and his sensitivity to those around him. He was always very welcome and respected in his visits to the Insurance Bureau, and he and I had many long conversations about the law, protection of consumers, and events that were occurring around us every day in Michigan.
John was a good person and a role model for young attorneys with whom he came into contact.
My sympathy to the members of John’s family. I am sure you know what a blessing John was to each of you through the years…
Ronald Jones
April 30, 2023 at 1:48 pmI just learned of John’s passing. John was a passionate person and an outstanding lawyer. I enjoyed working with him when I was at the Office of Financial and Insurance Services. I learned a lot from John and always appreciated the dedication to his professional and personal life. He will be missed.